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Richard Mathews

Richard Mathews
Member since : Jan-22-2009 (Verified)
1 Ideas, 7 Comments, 71 Votes

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Ideas Posted

This is not really an innovative idea, but it seems to me that since we are stating that we are going to try to improve the fitness and health level of our employees, perhaps we should stop serving doughnuts, muffins and cakes, etc. at our events. It might cost a little more or be a little less convenient to serve things like fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, etc., but it doesn't seem like we send the right message when we talk about being fit and healthy, and literally at the same time are handing out high-fat, low-nutrition foods.
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Comments Posted

Richard Mathews 3 months ago
I agree with the sentiments that extending Cub Scouting by one year is not likely to have long term benefits. We already see Cubs and their parents feeling either "burned out" or not understanding the difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. If you are really going to measure the success of this program, you will need to see how many of those Lions end up as Boy Scouts and how many of them end up as Eagle Scouts and compare that to the non-Lions. I doubt you will see any positive change - it will likely be the same or slightly worse. If you think about it, pretty much every Eagle Scout will have been in Scouting for half of their life at the time they earn Eagle. (Obviously, some were not in Cubs, but the vast majority probably were.) I just think that this is focusing on the short-term desire to increase membership, without looking at increasing and retaining the membership in the programs we already have. If anything we should focus more on the crossing over of Cubs/Webelos to Boy Scouting.
Richard Mathews 3 months ago
I don't think this is a good idea for any number of reasons.
Richard Mathews 3 months ago
I like the concept, but agree with the comments of Bruce. As a merit badge counselor I can tell you that one frustration is with Scouts showing up for counseling sessions without having read the merit badge book (and, where appropriate, having done the "pre-requisites"). I would see this as a great avenue (for merit badges) to get Scouts interested and engaged in actually reading the merit badge book and being more interested in doing the work. It could point to interesting facts/issues about the subject matter and reference the merit badge book (e.g., "as is explained in more detail in chapter 3 of the merit badge book, the Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, and sets forth key personal individual rights that are fundamental to individual liberty."
Richard Mathews 8 months ago
Excellent idea - not only could something that is more permanent and substantial provide excellent demographic information; it could also be used to automatically track training and potentially automatically update that on a Scouter's MyBSA sit. Additionally, having a membership card with more prominence and use would likely result in members using them and seeing them as having greaer value. Of course, if they are going to have greater intrinsic value and "useability," then Councils will have to be responsive in getting them delivered to registered members quickly and accurately.
Richard Mathews 9 months ago
However, some of the items done on skateboards should be specifically precluded - by name/activity - not only in any merit badge requirements and/or book, but also in the Guide to Safe Scouting. Half-pikes, skating down guide rails for steps, doing sommersaults, etc. would have to be specifically set forth as being against BSA policy and prohibited. (It goes without saying that safety equipment - knee and elbow pads and helmets, for example would be required.
Richard Mathews 9 months ago
I would rather see us work with the NFL to promote youth fitness, teamwork, good sportsmanship, leadership, and the other values or traits that (arguably) are characteristic of both "programs." Could even have a PPK program/competition available for Scouts that BSA could organize and promote and then have the "winners" from each Region in various age categories perform/compete at one of the play-off games leading up to the Super Bowl and have the Scout winners be recognized during the Super Bowl.

Likewise, could work with the NFL and be a "co-sponsor" or build an "alliance" with them to promote community service and giving back - a la their United Way campaign. Amazes me that BSA didn't get involved in being actively represented in NFL-United Way promotional campaigns YEARS AGO; before the "fall out" we have experienced with some UW's.
Richard Mathews 9 months ago
I would doubt that the number of Scouts or units that would/could take advantage of this would justify the increased liability and exposure. Regardless of what waivers, indemnifications or releases that would be signed any resulting litigation would be extremely costly and the potential financial impact of even just one traumatic brain injury lawsuit could be huge. Other than the "thrill" element, I question how such an activity truly fits into the purposes, mission and the teaching of citizenship, personal fitness and/or character. Attracting youth to join and participate on a regular basis because of one or two activities is not likely, in my opinion.